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Daniel Alfredsson's decision to leave Ottawa for Detroit was a cold lesson in dealing with professional hockey players, even for the owner of the Senators.

"It was tough for me to learn this as an owner that, how can you do this sort of thing? But it's sort of the way they conduct themselves and it's accepted," Eugene Melnyk said Tuesday at Ottawa City Hall.

Melnyk shot down suggestions that team management didn't act fast enough to lock up their captain before other teams started sniffing around.

"That's just not correct. We moved at (Alfredsson's) pace. We always said we're not going to push it. You decide whenever you're ready and we're prepared to talk anytime you wish to talk," Melnyk said.

"If he's made a decision that he believes that he can win a Stanley Cup in Detroit and the likelihood is greater than in Ottawa, that's his decision. I don't agree with it, but it is his decision. I think we have a great team this year and all I can do is wish him and his family all the best."

Melnyk said he hasn't spoken personally with Alfredsson, but he sent him an e-mail thanking him for his service in Ottawa.

Top of mind this week for Melnyk has been making sure the Senators have a chance to land a new casino, which would help support his hockey and arena operations.

Melnyk makes no secret that the Senators are short on revenue options while not making a profit.

He said not having another revenue opportunity could "stunt our growth.

"We're trying to compensate that lack of capital by changing the way we conduct our hockey operations, that is, develop young players," Melnyk said. "We now have the youngest hockey team in the NHL and we try to be competitive that way. Everybody likes an underdog and I guess that's what we're going to be."

As for Alfredsson, Melnyk said the team hasn't thought about any special welcome for when the Red Wings' new veteran winger plays against Ottawa. The head office has been focused on its casino work and trying to convince city council to keep the competition open to bidders beyond the Rideau Carleton Raceway.

"These things happen. At the end of the day we'll never forget Alfie for what he's done for us," Melnyk said, predicting that fans will accept Alfredsson's decision.

Daniel Alfredsson's decision to leave Ottawa for Detroit was a cold lesson in dealing with professional hockey players, even for the owner of the Senators.

"It was tough for me to learn this as an owner that, how can you do this sort of thing? But it's sort of the way they conduct themselves and it's accepted," Eugene Melnyk said Tuesday at Ottawa City Hall.

Melnyk shot down suggestions that team management didn't act fast enough to lock up their captain before other teams started sniffing around.

"That's just not correct. We moved at (Alfredsson's) pace. We always said we're not going to push it. You decide whenever you're ready and we're prepared to talk anytime you wish to talk," Melnyk said.